<![CDATA[tobrien Blog Posts]]> http://www.oaklandraidersnews.com/tobrien/weblog/ <![CDATA[Raiders defeat 49ers]]> http://www.oaklandraidersnews.com/tobrien/weblog/3384/raiders-defeat-49ers.html http://www.oaklandraidersnews.com/tobrien/weblog/3384/raiders-defeat-49ers.html Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:34:02 PDT    The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Francisco 49ers Friday night at Oakland 18 - 6.  Everyone was waiting to see JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden, and each played a brief time in the Raiders first exhibition game.  Russell play less than anticipated.  In previous press releases Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin stated that it was possible that Russell could play into the second half; however, he started the game and only played two series completing 2 of 5 passes for 13 yards.  Russell was also sacked once.  McFadden played a bit longer and gained 48 yards on 12 carries.

   Russell should get more playing time as the pre-season progresses.  Due to his limited playing time last season, he needs all the game experience he can handle.  For McFadden it should get easier.  The rookie running back admitted following the game that he was nervous when he first entered the game, but that went away after being hit for the first time.  Besides, playing running back is a little different than being a "rookie" quarterback in the NFL.

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]]> <![CDATA[The Oakland Raiders Better by Addition Subtraction or Both]]> http://www.oaklandraidersnews.com/tobrien/weblog/2686/the-oakland-raiders-better-by-addition.html http://www.oaklandraidersnews.com/tobrien/weblog/2686/the-oakland-raiders-better-by-addition.html Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:09:39 PDT As all of us Raiders fans are already aware Al Davis has been on a spending spree this off-season the likes we have rarely seen in Raiderland.  We have retained some key players and members of the coaching staff, and there also have been some departures.  The main question is will all these off-season moves make the Raiders a better football team this fall.  My question today for Raider fans is which of the following will have the biggest impact on improving the Raiders when it comes time to play for real in September and why?

  Additions 
  1. Drafting and signing Darren McFadden.
  2. Acquiring DeAngelo Hall.

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